eThekwini Commits R260 Million to Upgrade Informal Trading Facilities
eThekwini Commits R260 Million to Upgrade Informal Trading Facilities. The eThekwini Municipality has invested R260 million in informal trading infrastructure over three financial years, with further projects planned to improve trading facilities and support small businesses across Durban.
The investment was highlighted at the fifth eThekwini Informal Economy Summit, held at the Durban Exhibition Centre, where traders, government departments, financial institutions and other stakeholders discussed opportunities to strengthen the city’s informal economy.
The summit featured presentations on capital projects, destination markets, spaza shop funding, township economic development and banking solutions. Participants also viewed progress on infrastructure developments, including the recently launched Mansel Road Market and Lucky Mngwengwe Traders Precinct.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba described the informal economy as an important source of employment and livelihoods. Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicates that approximately 260,000 people in eThekwini work in the informal sector, including about 75,000 in informal trade.
The municipality recorded an unemployment rate of 21.2% in the second quarter of 2026, the lowest among South Africa’s metropolitan municipalities.
The summit also recognised 32 informal traders through the Informal Traders Recognition Awards. Categories included Youth-Owned Business, Innovative Business, Job Creation and Outstanding Compliance with Municipal By-laws.
The recognised businesses represented sectors such as hair and beauty, fashion, automotive services, recycling, photography, herbal trading and food retail. Innovative ventures included an internet café, drone services and beauty and massage services.
Prize money totalled R224,000, while Standard Bank provided each winner with a point-of-sale device valued at R6,000 to support electronic payments.
Thembo Ntuli, chairperson of the municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, outlined progress on commitments from the previous summit. These included refurbishing more than 200 trading sites, constructing the Brook Street storage facility in the central business district and securing funding for upgrades at Bridge City. Work at Bridge City is expected to begin in December 2026.
Further developments awaiting final approval include small business facilities, storage infrastructure, container trading sites in uMlazi, the Berea Herb Market, the Bovine Head Market near Dalton and the KwaMashu motor repair site. These projects are planned for implementation over the next three years.
